Arsène Wenger is in favour of a loan system in the Premier League but feels there should be no exemptions.
The current regulations mean players can make a temporary transfer between teams but are not allowed to feature against their ‘mother’ side.
"I remember I had that case with Francis Jeffers when I loaned him out and I always said 'yes, if I loan a player out I allow him to play against us’. Even, as in the case of Jeffers, he scored against us. I just think it is right"
The issue will be highlighted this weekend at Emirates Stadium if Everton’s Romelu Lukaku plays against Arsenal. The in-form Belgian striker could score against Wenger’s side and curtail their lead in the table but would not be afforded the same opportunity against title rivals Chelsea, who hold his permanent registration.
For Wenger, it is an old issue but one upon which he has very clear views.
“The system of loaning out players has existed for a while,” he said, speaking after visiting a Teenage Cancer Trust unit supported by The Arsenal Foundation.
“I'm not against it, I just think that the players should be allowed to play against the team who has loaned them out as well.
“I always pleaded for that because there is no reason once you signed for a club that you should not be allowed to play against everybody. When you sign for a club it means 'I commit for every single game I play for this club'. There should be no exception.
“I remember I had that case with Francis Jeffers [a few years ago] when I loaned him out and I always said 'yes, if I loan a player out I allow him to play against us’. Even, as in the case of Jeffers, he scored against us. I just think it is right.”
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